Hi. A new tutorial in our Google Data Studio series is now ready. The best Data Studio functions for calculated fields are discussed in this article. The capability of calculated fields allows us to combine other fields to create our own bespoke functions inside the data. The website address and page name can be combined to create a field called URL.
By creating combinations in this manner, we may accomplish much more than we could have by simply using addition, subtraction, and multiplication alone. There are other functions as well the purpose of today’s guide is to show and clarify the best Data Studio functions for computed fields. How do they function? and their applications.
Why We Need to Explore Google Data Studio Functions for Calculated Fields
I won’t focus much on how to create calculated fields because we have covered that in a separate tutorial. Instead, I’ll show you several calculated fields that actually work so you can expand your understanding of them and gain a sense of how to use them. I’ve identified some of the top functions for calculated fields, and today I’m going to show you what they are and explain how they are made.
As a result, you will start using calculated fields and their functions more frequently and will enjoy doing so as a result of this tutorial. They simplify our job and enable us to create custom fields by calculating certain values in other fields. Even though you don’t need to change the original data, you can still see and display the percentage values for each data point in Google Data Studio by calculating percentages from the passing and obtained marks. We must therefore understand which Data Studio functions are the best for computed fields.
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Best Data Studio Functions for Calculated Fields
The three best Data Studio functions for calculated fields are what I brought. We’ll go over each one and put them to use on some basic data so that everyone can quickly learn and put them to use. These functions are all very simple in terms of logic and syntax, and they are all very simple to use. So let’s get started right away. Let’s get to our first function right away.
Okay, let’s start with Google Data Studio to see what functions and calculated fields are. In order to get started with functions and calculated fields with me in the example below, all you need is a chart and a connected data source. so get ready.
Chart-Level Google Data Studio Function for Calculated Fields
We will see the calculated fields at the chart level in this first section. This type of calculated field is created directly on a chart by adding a metric or dimension, and then by creating a custom field by selecting the option to do so from the context menu for the dimension or chart. By choosing a chart in this case, we can create a number of calculated fields that will only work with that particular chart and not with any other charts in the report. These are known as chart-level calculated fields.
Step 1>
Add a Chart.
Step 2>
Open the setup tab of the chart sidebar and select Metrics.
Step 3>
There may be comparable metrics available in this case, but not the ones you want to visualize, so you click the “Create a field” button and enter the metrics manually.
Let’s say I have sessions and bounces in my data, but I want to visualize only sessions without bounces. I will subtract bounces from sessions to get a new field, which I can name “Valid sessions” for example.
Note: Your original data won’t be impacted by doing this. Notably, doing this won’t change anything else in your report besides the chosen chart.
Step 4>
Add a field name, enter your formula logic in the section below, hit the save button, and it will be applied to the currently selected chart.
This shows how accurate this calculated field is. The best data studio function for calculated fields or chart-level calculated fields is this one, which is also one of the most frequently used.
Data Source Google Data Studio Function for Calculated Fields
We will learn about calculated fields at the data source level in this section. You can create a calculated field for your chosen data source at the data source level to use in various charts. Furthermore, it will only be accessible with that particular data source. Let’s look at how to do that now.
Step 1>
navigate to resources > manage added data sources.
Step 2>
Pick the desired data source by clicking Edit.
Note: Data source-level calculated fields can only be created for custom data sources, such as Sheets files; they cannot be created for the sample data sources offered by Data Studio.
Step 3>
You can click the “Add a Field” button above to add a new field. This page contains all the dimensions of your original data.
Step 4>
Now that you’re in a window similar to this, name your custom field meaningfully, enter the formula logic below it, and then click the Save button.
Note: A name that already exists in one of your other dimensions cannot be assigned.
Step 5>
Back to your report, you can now see this field as a dimension, which you can use whenever you like with any chart or a collection of charts. If you don’t want to use it, you can also choose to skip it.
You now understand why we are unable to create data source-level calculated fields using sample data since these are data source-level calculated fields.
You must add a new field down here if you want to make it accessible within the data source. The Create New Field Editor will then be displayed, allowing us to also enter our Function.
Upper/Lower Google Data Studio Function for Calculated Fields
We will learn about UPPER/LOWER functions in this section. A function in a Calculated Field is used to create a new field that is just a new dimension and creates a new version of it in uppercase or lowercase. Therefore, let’s make this. What we need is a dimension that comes from the original data and is called “AReA”; this dimension is not an upper or lower and can lead to confusion between “Area,” “area,” and “AREA,” so to convert it into upper or lower, we have two helpful functions with the names UPPER and LOWER; we simply enter a dimension value in them, and they return the same whether it is in the UPPER or LOWER case.
Note: You can compute a calculated field at the data source level or at the chart level using this function.
Step 1>
Determine whether you want to change the case of the dimension.
Step 2>
Click the “Create Field” button under dimensions.
Step 3>
Write the field name first, followed by the function name, such as UPPER for upper case and LOWER for lower case conversion.
Step 4>
After that, enter the original dimension name there.
Step 5>
When the function is valid, you will see a tiny green check mark in a circle on the bottom left; simply click the save button to finish.
The UPPER and LOWER functions, which are among the best data studio functions for calculated fields, can be used in this manner.
You should now have a better understanding of calculated fields and functions in Google Data Studio, and I hope you find these functions to be helpful and useful.
Remember
- Custom functions can be used to create calculated fields at the report, chart, and data source levels.
- Only custom data sources will be able to use the data source-level calculated fields; sample data sources like Google Analytics, Google AdWords, and so forth will not be supported.
- This article aims to show the most important and effective types of Google’s calculated field functions, though there are many more you can explore in their official documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Google Data Studio’s calculated fields serve?
The purpose of calculated fields in Google Data Studio is to enable users to perform unique calculations and data transformations on their data. Users are given the ability to create new metrics, conduct mathematical operations, and apply a variety of functions to their data using this feature, which allows for more in-depth analysis and reporting.
Is it possible to combine several functions into one calculated field?
It is true that you can combine different operators and functions within a single calculated field. This enables the use of more intricate and personalized calculations. When combining functions and operators, just be sure to use parentheses to control the order of operations.
Do calculated fields automatically update or must I do it by hand?
Calculated fields in Google Data Studio are dynamic, which means that as the underlying data changes, they automatically update. By doing this, you can guarantee that your reports automatically reflect information that is current or has been updated.
Which Data Studio tools are most effective for calculations involving time?
In Google Data Studio, time-based calculations can be made especially efficiently by using functions like DATE_DIFF, DATE_ADD, and DATE_SUB. You can effectively work with date and time values thanks to these functions.
Can I use calculated fields with information from databases or other outside sources?
The majority of the data used by Google Data Studio comes from Google products like Google Sheets and Google Analytics. To use calculated fields with data from different sources, you can connect to external databases using connectors or create custom connectors.
Conclusion
We’ve looked at the potential of Google Data Studio’s calculated fields, concentrating on three key features that improve your data analysis. We trust that this tutorial has improved your knowledge of calculated fields, field functions, and real-world uses for them. Continue learning and unlocking insights as you progress with your data analysis. I wish you a fruitful day ahead, and don’t forget to learn with OfficeChaser!